Diogo Jota has been favoured by Arne Slot initially of his Liverpool tenure, and the Reds boss has defined why he’s so valued because the central attacker.
Liverpool’s No. 20 has began eight of the primary 10 video games this season, amassing 623 minutes – already greater than a 3rd of what he managed in an injury-interrupted 2023/24.
Jota has readily led the attacking line alongside Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz, most well-liked over Darwin Nunez because the extra pure match for Slot’s methodical and affected person type.
The 27-year-old has 4 targets and two assists up to now, together with his effort at Palace proving to be the match-winner – although he may have made it a extra snug scoreline.
It was one thing Slot famous post-game, as he defined how Jota “helps us” together with his tactical understanding and execution.
“He places plenty of effort in, however aside from placing plenty of effort in, he works in a wise method,” Slot advised BBC Sport.
“With out the ball, he works actually onerous, like all of the others, however with the ball, he all the time understands when to drop, when to play deep, and a bit increased.
“He has plenty of tactical information, and that helps us in sure components of the sport.
“He scored an excellent objective, though we have now to offer credit score to Cody and Kostas as properly.
“However I believe he additionally may have scored another, perhaps even two extra.”
He positively ought to have had a couple of objective as he missed two of the Reds’ 4 huge possibilities at Selhurst Park, and Liverpool will want him to be correct, and keep match, for the large assessments that loom forward.
Extra than simply noting what Jota offers to his group, although, Slot’s feedback are additionally a nod to what Nunez wants to supply to displace the Portugal worldwide.
Up to now, the No. 9 has been restricted to 3 begins and 4 appearances off the bench, with the necessity to alter to his new calls for nonetheless clear to see.